Toddies Are So Hot Right Now

As the temperature outside drops, the temperatures inside Portland’s cocktail glasses are swiftly rising. Here are some of the city’s best hot toddies and steamy drinks to keep you warm this winter. Cheers!

Baby, it’s cold outside! Even though we’ve been blessed with some confusingly sunny weather this week, it is still winter in Portland, and we’re all in need of some hand- and heart-warming beverages. Lucky for us, bartenders around town are turning to classic wintertime cocktails that are sure to take the chill off.

Some cocktail fans would argue that a true hot toddy includes liquor, hot water, sugar, and spices, while others would say all that matters is that it’s boozy and served warm. Whatever side you come down on, you’re sure to enjoy these cocktails from all around the city:

The Observatory: In need of some detoxing after all of December’s holiday parties? Head to this Montavilla Neighborhood hot spot for The Cleanse (rooibos infused whisky, cayenne pepper, maple syrup and lemon, $8) or just dig deeper into your winter hibernation with their Chai Spiced Hot Buttered Bourbon (house made butter mix with chai-infused bourbon, topped with whipped cream, $7). 8115 SE Stark St.; 503-445-6284

Bar Bar: This watering hole adjacent to Mississippi Studios has several hot drinks to help you defrost, like the #8 Winter (Bacardi 8 with Caffe Vita coffee, $8) and the extra-large #7 Toddy with ginger-infused Jack Daniels for $7. 3939 N Mississippi Ave.; 503-288-3895

Huber’s Cafe:: The oldest restaurant in the Rose City has plenty of experience serving up hot drinks to cold Portlanders—their signature flaming Spanish Coffee is an elaborately-prepared wonder that is a must for locals and visitors alike (Kahlua, Bacardi 151, Bols triple sec and coffee topped with whipped cream and nutmeg, $9.50). 411 SW 3rd Ave.; 503-228-5686.

Dick’s Kitchen: The second outpost of this paleo-friendly diner has a full liquor license, which paved the way for their playful Hot for Toddy, with Clear Creek pear brandy, Tuaca, house-made ginger syrup, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and cardamom bitters, $8. 704 NW 21st Ave.; 503-206-5916

There are certainly dozens of cozy cocktails that I’ve missed, so add your favorites to the comments below! If you’d like to recreate the magic effect of warm winter cocktails at home, here’s a sure winner from bartender Kyle Webster of SE Clinton’s St. Jack.